Grant Wiggins: A Lesson Before Dying

Grant Wiggins breaks away from the stereotypical black man of the 1940’s to create a new idea of what it means to be black. Originally, Grant was seen as an insignificant, unintelligent individual; however, he later shows that he is an intellectual individual who does have an impact on what is happening within the community. The first time it is apparent that Grant actually does posses some knowledge is when he goes to discuss going to the jail to talk to Jefferson, with Sheriff Guidry and Henri Pichot. While explaining why Miss Emma could not attend the jail alone, Grant states, “She doesn’t feel that she has the strength to come up there all the time” (Gaines, 48). Although this statement today would not surprise any individual, the fact that Grant is a black man in the 1940’s, is using proper grammar. Guidry, in turn, is shocked; a black man should not be educated to this level, it is uncommon and makes him feel less superior. Later on, Guidry replies, “You’re smart. Maybe you’re just a little too smart for your own good” (Gaines, 49). The response Grant is given shows how white people feel about black people; whites are the superior race and that blacks are insignificant in every way. Alongside many setbacks, Grant was able …show more content…
At the time Miss Emma asks Grant to help Jefferson, he is wary of answering due to his limited knowledge of what manhood actually is. While talking to Vivian in connection the Jefferson, Grant ask, “What do I say to him? Do I know what a man is? Do I know how a man is supposed to live? I’m still trying to find out how a man should live” (Gaines, 31). Grant is unsure about how to help Jefferson because he himself has not really experienced manhood. Similarly to the majority of the black community, Grant has not truly experienced life; he’s traveled very minimally and complains of reliving the same